Webb quizzes O'Brien on solar energy from Africa

1.45.50pm GMT Sat 1st Nov 2008

See: http://www.trecers.net/index.html

• ' . . what assessment he has made of the feasibility of importing solar electricity from Africa using a high voltage direct current grid; . . '

[Oct 30]: Steve Webb (Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Energy and Climate Change; Northavon, Liberal Democrat): To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the feasibility of importing solar electricity from Africa using a high voltage direct current grid; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien (Minister of State, Department for Energy and Climate Change; North Warwickshire, Labour) [Oct 15 written holding answer]: The Government are working to ensure the right framework and incentives are in place to encourage investment in bringing forward a range of renewable technologies as part of formulating our Renewable Energy Strategy which we will publish next spring. Our consultation on it closed on 26 September and we will be considering representations to it in finalising our strategy.